Richardson is a hidden treasure in North Texas! As a Foodie Destination and a family fun spot, you’ll enjoy a great line-up of hotels with crazy affordable room rates throughout the year. Plus, Richardson is in the middle of all the North Texas action with easy access to regional attractions in the metroplex.  Here are a few tips to make the most of your time in Richardson.

Where to Stay

Richardson has a great lineup of top hotels with crazy affordable room rates! Here are just a few of our favorites to choose from:

Drury Plaza, image by @druryhotels via Instagram

Drury Plaza is one of Richardson’s newest places to stay and it’s quickly becoming one of our favorites. The hotel is located just minutes from CityLine DFW and the Eisemann Center and features a rooftop pool perfect for unwinding and relaxing. It’s the little luxuries at Cambria Hotel Richardson-Dallas that make your stay special. Savor a taste of Texas at their full-service restaurant and bar. Pro tip: try a local craft beer selected by the Cambria Beer Cicerone.

The Hilton Richardson Dallas is a modern, yet sophisticated hotel, conveniently located inside the “Telecom Corridor” just off 75, providing easy access to nearby golf courses, nature trails and an amazing selection of restaurants. The Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel is a newly renovated, stylish hotel with premier amenities, making it an exceptional guest experience, and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas offers a free shuttle service covering a five-mile radius.

The Aloft Hotel will always be number one in our hearts. Located just steps from CityLine (literally), this boutique hotel is a convenient home base while you shop and play in Richardson. Click here for a full list of Richardson hotels perfect for a weekend getaway or summer staycation. 

Where to Shop

Now let’s get down to business. Richardson’s big bonus is the city’s amazing location! It’s about a ten-minute drive to Dallas, the unofficial “fashion capital of Texas” and Plano, the extravagant shopping paradise. With everything from luxury items to steals and deals, the top spots that can’t be beat are  NorthPark Center, The Shops at Park Lane, The Shops at Legacy, and Legacy West.

Discover that perfect one-of-a-kind piece at Beaucoup—our favorite one-stop-shop for home decor, kick-knacks, chic women’s clothing, and unforgettable gifts.

Whether you’re going out on the town, have a hot date coming up, or just wanna strut your summer glow, do it with Allie-Coosh! This couture women’s boutique offers apparel and bold jewelry made locally and designed by the shop owner.

Ascot & Hart, image by @ascotandhart via Instagram

What happens when you combine the uniqueness of thrifted finds with chic styles? You get Ascot & Hart! One step inside and you’ll see why the trendy, colorful pieces are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Escape from the Texas heat and spend some time discovering everything from women’s clothing to antiques at Beyond the Door. Plus, it’s the perfect place to pick up a knick-knack to remember your getaway to Richardson.

Where to Eat

Richardson is full of delicious eateries from breakfast joints to authentic Asian Cuisine to upscale restaurants. Named the “Best Foodie City in Texas” by apartmentguide.com, we can promise you’ll enjoy eating your way through Richardson!

Good Union BBQ, image by @kathytran.eats via Instagram

CityLine is all the rage in Richardson – it’s a sensational mixed-use development with appetizing restaurants for days. For a casual dining experience, check out some of CityLine’s top restaurants like Good Union Urban BBQ, Char’d: Southeast Asian Kitchen, Wildwood Grill, Bruncheon, and Gillespie’s Tavern at the Shire

If you’re looking for a more upscale eatery, these CityLine gems are sure to hit the spot – Jasper’s, Edoko Sushi & Robata,  and Fernando’s Mexican Cuisine.

DFW China Town is a popular Asian shopping and dining destination in Richardson, Texas. The center offers a variety of authentic Asian cuisine including traditional Chinese dim sum, Korean bibimbap, Japanese sushi rolls, and hot pot. It’s a great place to explore and experience the diverse and flavorful food culture of Asia. Dive into an authentic bowl of ramen from Maru Ramen or handcrafted dumplings from Jeng Chi Restaurant and Bakery. Other local favorites include Monkey King Noodle, Genroku Sushi & Grill, Tofu Factory, Okaerié Cafe, and Pho Que Huong

Be sure to check out J’s International Grill for a unique experience packed full of traditional Caribbean flavors, and keep the island vibes going with a stop by Aloha Chicken and Shrimp on West Campbell Road.

Richardson also offers a wide variety of great Mediterranean spots! Some of our favorites include Arabica Mediterranean, Madina Moroccan and Mediterranean Fusion, and Olive Burger, which is also a solid Halal option. 

Mochinut, image by @mochinut_richardson via Instagram

As if summer couldn’t get sweeter, Sweet Firefly Gourmet Ice Cream & Candied Treats is home to Richardson’s finest hand-crafted ice cream. Sweet Firefly has a wide variety of to-go desserts to choose from whether it’s an ice-cream sandwich, large gum balls, pints of homemade ice cream, or dark chocolate cashews, you won’t want to miss out on the sweet treats! For even more flavors to satisfy those sweet tooth cravings, be sure to check out La Casita Bakeshop, Dessert Lab, and Mochinut

We know coffee is a must, and luckily, Richardson has a ton of great spots for a delicious pick-me-up. 7th Day Coffee has a wide variety of bold flavors, and they even offer pastries from La Casita Bakeshop. Another solid choice is Arwa Yemeni Coffee located on South Greenville Boulevard.

What to Do

CityLine doesn’t just have tasty bites. Enjoy the day outside at the urban plaza, or explore the two nearby parks where you can bike, hike or walk the trails.

The fun at CityLine doesn’t stop there! On the second Friday of each month, the Night Market by the Boho Market returns with more than 45 booths featuring handmade and vintage goods, plus live music to enjoy while you shop.

Free Play Arcade, image by @cierranicoleeee via Instagram

For some adult-only fun, Free Play arcade offers an irresistible gaming experience that will take you back in time with more than 95 retro games—they also have a great beer selection with foodie favorites!

After your retro gaming sesh, venture over to Four Bullets Brewery to sample “English ale with a Texas twist.”.

If you’re looking for an activity with a little more edge, book an experience at Class Axe Throwing. It’s the perfect place to perfect your aim with a unique twist that’s sure to be remembered.

Keep the competitive spirit going with K-1 Racing! The indoor go-kart track is a sure way to satisfy the need for speed with plenty of options for fun for the whole family including arrive and drive, birthday parties, leagues, and more.

Altitude Trampoline Park is the place to be for anyone who’s ready to reach for the sky. Bounce all day on one of the endless indoor trampolines, and don’t miss the foam pit, battle beam, and trapeze.

From farm fresh pantry staples to artisanal sweets and treats, spend your Saturdays shopping at the Richardson Farmers Market. Located at the Dal-Rich Towne Square, the Market is the place to go for local goods and unique finds every Saturday.

Quiggly’s Clayhouse, image by @theboholankan via Instagram

Ready to roll up your sleeves and make a mess? Check out Quiggly’s Clayhouse! This clayhouse (not to be confused with a playhouse, although it will feel like one) hosts art camps and features a walk-in studio where trained artists will help you create a masterpiece of your very own! Choose from pottery painting, glass fusion, mosaics, clay sculpting or letter art.

Score a hole in one with entertainment for golfers of all levels. Enjoy the greenery of Richardson’s three unique courses like Sherrill Park Golf Course–ideal for amateurs and pros alike with two regulation courses. Or head over to Canyon Creek Country Club’s 18-hole golf course alongside 22 tennis courts, three resort-style pools, and an award-winning restaurant. Looking to learn, practice, and play in one place? The Golf Ranch is just for you with an all-turf range, 9-hole course, and beginner series or private lessons.

Speaking of the great outdoors, did you know Richardson is full of nature trails and parks? After you stop by Richardson Bike Mart and Run On!, you’ll be ready to explore Spring Creek Nature Area Trail—a 2.3 mile loop trail that features a river and is good for all hiking skill levels! Huck Finn Trail is a 1.4 mile trail that features a beautiful waterfall and a hike achievable for all ages! Bring your camera, because you’ll find plenty of spots for photo ops!

See North Texas from a new perspective as you soar through the air and get lost in a treetop adventure at Go Ape! Located just minutes away from Richardson in Plano’s Oak Point Park, fly high above the ground as you cross 40 different crossings and obstacles and four zip lines. Because of Richardson’s convenient location, the possibilities are truly endless.

Ride the waves 13-miles north to Allen and cut loose at Hydrous Wake Park at Allen Station, a wakeboarding facility that uses a cable system to pull riders around the 10-acre lake. They will have you looking like a pro in no time!